Izzy Taylor and Springwind Vangelis
Izzy Taylor nipped into second place in the Newton Hall CCI4*-S class at Burgham International Horse Trials on the second day of dressage, scoring 25.7 on Jeremy and Andrea Brereton and Linda Mars’ Springpower.
This leaves the Oxfordshire rider just 0.6 of a penalty behind Oliver Townend, who established his lead on day one with his 2017 Burghley CCI5* winner – and defending Burgham champion – Ballaghmor Class.
There is all to play for in tomorrow’s jumping phases; British Olympian Kitty King is in third with her 2019 Bramham CCI4*-L hero Vendredi Biats on a score of 26.1.
Eventing data and analytics company Equiratings declares that, historically, the Burgham CCI4*-S winner has had to showjump clear, and there will be a nail-biting tussle over the coloured poles before those in the hunt set out on David Evans’ challenging cross-country track.
Izzy said: “Springpower felt really nice today – more established, and when he’s with you in there, you feel as one.”
Oliver Townend commented: “I’m looking forward to taking my horses across country at Burgham tomorrow – it is a true, tough test. The ground looks fantastic and, as ever, the Burgham team have gone to a massive amount of effort to provide the best event possible.”
Izzy and Oliver also won an open intermediate section apiece today. Izzy took Vertem section H aboard Lizzie Matthews’ eight-year-old Springwind Vangelis.
Izzy said: “I’m really delighted to win this – he obviously likes the Northumberland air! It was fantastic preparation for the British Novice Championships at Gatcombe Park next week.”
Oliver scored in Bidfood section G on Diana and Paul Ridgeon’s 12-year-old Ulises, another horse who is heading to the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe next week, this time for the British Open Championship.
“This was a great warm-up for him – he’s a fast horse who finds the cross-country very easy,” said Oliver.
The Shropshire rider remains in pole position in the Howard Russell CCI3*-S on Cooley Master Class, the dual Kentucky CCI5* winner, while Izzy Taylor (PSH Lava Flow) holds on to second. Young Irish rider Susie Berry, last to go in this class, managed to snatch third spot on John The Bull, scoring 26.1 – leaving her just 0.1 of a penalty behind Izzy.
And the Metnor Group CCI2*-S has a new leader – Cumbria’s Robyn Gray, now based in Cheshire. She scored 27.1 on Jan Ball’s eight-year-old Gelukkig to overtake Harry Meade and Merrywell Tradition. Tom Jackson and Ask For Manchier remain in third place.
Showjumping starts at 8am tomorrow and cross-country at 9am. There are also British Riding Clubs area showjumping qualifiers at Burgham on Sunday. Other attractions include children’s entertainment, a wide variety of locally produced food options, licenced bars, a fun dog show and great shopping.
